BSc Ecology
About this course
BSc in Ecology, an undergraduate degree centred on natural ecosystems, environmental problems, and the scientific study of organisms and their habitats. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Project Management. Students have the option to undertake a year abroad. The first year covers the foundations through Frontiers in Biological Sciences, Diversity of Life 1, Ecology and Environmental Science, and The Cell. The second year introduces core concepts with Introduction to Genetics, Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST), Ecology, and Mapping and Monitoring the Environment, alongside optional field courses like Coastal Biodiversity and Field Biology. The third year advances knowledge via Statistical Analysis of Biological Data, Population Ecology, Gateway to Honours Project, and Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems. The final year culminates in the SBS Honours Project, allowing students to conduct independent research within an academic research group.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with two Mathematics/Science subjects required. SL or HL in English and Mathematics are also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM. Main subjects to be Science or Mathematics. (Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B). GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. O4 in English and Mathematics is also required.
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What students say
Based on about 5 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 94%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 89%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 28 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 30%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 160 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 3%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 71%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Other HE qualification: 20%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Frontiers in Biological Sciences
- Diversity of Life 1
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- Diversity of Life 2
- The Cell
- Introduction to Genetics
- Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST)
- Ecology
- Plants, People, and the Environment (BI25P4)
- Mapping and Monitoring the Environment
- Coastal Biodiversity (BI25F2)
- Field Biology (BI25F6)
- Marine Field Ecology (BI25F9)
- Field Skills in Ecology and Animal Behaviour (BI25FA)
- The Living Landscape (BI25FB)
- Statistical Analysis of Biological Data
- Population Ecology
- Gateway to Honours Project
- Field Ecology Skills (EK35F1)
- Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems
- Ecosystem Processes
- SBS Honours Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Ecology at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £23,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £41,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £6,000 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Ecology at University of Aberdeen do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Ecology at University of Aberdeen?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Ecology at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 176 UCAS points.
Is BSc Ecology at University of Aberdeen accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Does BSc Ecology at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Ecology at University of Aberdeen?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.